Contesting two finals at Spanish Para Badminton International 2023, Daiki Kajiwara just had to stick to his usual approach to ace both.

His first match, alongside WH1-WH2 men’s doubles partner Hiroshi Murayama against Homhual Jakarin/Junthong Dumnern saw him coming through in straight games 21-8 21-12.

“Wow, that was so much fun out there,” he said after his win.

In his way of a second trophy was veteran Kim Jungjun, but the only thing that mattered to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion was “to enjoy it”.

Winning 21-14 21-11 against the hardworking Korean, Kajiwara said: “The most important thing is you are having a good time. You have to keep it fun. Win or lose I don’t mind, because I’m having the time of my life. Against Kim, you have to be 100 per cent your best. Athletes like him always make me want to try harder, and play better. I’m always looking at improving myself. I think I fuel myself up on Japanese miso soup for success.”

Double Success for Jaurequi

Pilar Jaurequi Cancino pulled off a double as well, winning both her finals in straight games. In women’s singles, against Yuma Yamazaki – a rematch of the 2022 World Championships – the Peruvian won 21-15 21-19.

“Last year at this tournament, I didn’t make it to the finals, but I have put a lot of hard work into the sport I love and I’m feeling all kinds of emotions right now,” she said after the medal ceremony.

With back-to-back tournaments in the country – the Spanish Para Badminton International Toledo 2023 is starting on Wednesday – it was important for Jaurequi to be prepared before setting off from home.

“These are two important tournaments. I wanted to be exceptionally equipped with all the right skills.”

She went on to win her WH1-WH2 mixed doubles match with Yuri Ferrigno 23-19 21-19 against Sooyoung Yu/Hyun Ah Kwon.

Japan’s Sarina Satomi also claimed two titles, in WH1-WH2 women’s doubles with Yamazaki over Cynthia Mathez/Ilaria Renggli (21-12 21-13) and WH1 women’s singles over Belgian Man-kei To (21-13 21-10).

Choi Jung Man denied Murayama the double as he claimed the WH1 singles crown in a nail-biting match, winning 22-20 21-19.

→ Day 7 Results